TomW wrote:I'm into strapless surfboard, and have a 5-8 Slingshot celeritas, and looking to add a board this year. Can you ride the sectors strapless ??

I'd suggest reducing the fin size, but then you may as well just go for a slayer, as it's so much better strapless in every way. Loved the 60 last year, and don't be afraid to drop the fin sizes on the Slayer V1 either.. We have them on the shelf here in the UK, or any mini tuttle will fit..

Really interesting to hear droffats post.. I know the Sector has always been on the ball, but that's sober reading. The new V5 is really plug and play, it's a really fast, fun board with no rough edges...

If you are looking for a challenge have a look at the new Monaro Slalom.. I have ridden this and it's the logical step further up the technique ladder from the Sector. Though I would not suggest riding it strapless

Since I added NSP mini-Tuttle to FCS fin adapters on the back to fins, I was able to use much smaller FCS rear fins. This made the Alias MUCH better. It loosened up the board and doesn't require back leg pressure to ride anymore. Much improved. I actually like the board now.

Hey Shawn, had a couple hours on the V5 60 yesterday at the Beav. I was using a 2014 Airush lithium 10m. Rode it stock, with 4 straps. Super fun! I have not been on a Sector in a year and first run in I felt right at home on it!. Just so easy to use. Solid upwind, nice feeling of speed and manoeuvrability . Wind was maybe 10-15K others were on TTs and 12 -14m. Really easy to blast off the wind never feeling like your going over the nose in the Beaverton chop. My only complaint was the non skid between the pads was non existent. Slipped of a couple times mid gybe. Next time out I think I'll put the rear strap in the centre to increase the manoeuvrability. Call me at the shop or email dave@silentsports.comand I'll set you up with a demo ride on it.

I'll second the Monaro Slalom 65. Super fast board, goes in very little wind, MUCH easier to gybe than a full 70cm course board and generally more versatile. Obviously it won't keep up with a full course board upwind but for everything else I reckon it'd do well.

Slayer 58 is also an enormous amount of fun and works with very little wind. It kind of begs to be thrown around and helps even the laziest of riders (me) feel like a strapless god

I do hope the Sector V5 60 is what they promise, I have had all sectors except for the V3, I came from a V2 onto a V4, man it was horror to me, way more technical and racy, it went off very early,n but demanded a lot of energy and technical skills to master it in more wind.I was very quicly overpowered with an Ozone Edge 13m.I felt so sorry I had sold my sofacruiser V2...so in the end ( loving 4 fins for the lightwind) I just purchased me a new Sector V2 and I felt driect at home...sorry V5 it will not be for now ;:=)).

Anyone tried a 4 fin setup with 4 smaller fins, I mean putting the same set as you have in the rear in the front?

Two comments from the local school where we are. They have just started getting into sectors properly - V5 was their first version.The word is that the 54 and the 60 feel very similar in their eyes, and I can see why they think that - this years V5 60 is fast and easy, if not so much of an upwind sofa like the V2.

The v5 60 this year has only got 3 boxes, so it's tri fin only. I've not tried upping the fin size, but then unless you are transfixed with going upwind, as far as I see it, there there is little point, as it goes well enough upwind to be easily practical for recreational use and carves / holds speed so well.

MikeBirt wrote:Two comments from the local school where we are. They have just started getting into sectors properly - V5 was their first version.The word is that the 54 and the 60 feel very similar in their eyes, and I can see why they think that - this years V5 60 is fast and easy, if not so much of an upwind sofa like the V2.

The v5 60 this year has only got 3 boxes, so it's tri fin only. I've not tried upping the fin size, but then unless you are transfixed with going upwind, as far as I see it, there there is little point, as it goes well enough upwind to be easily practical for recreational use and carves / holds speed so well.